The Salvation Army is in dire need of people to ring bells for its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

“For every two hours that we don’t have anyone ringing, that’s another family in need that we are not able to help,” said Rebecca Netznik, regional manager for the Salvation Army Schuylkill Service Center in Tamaqua.

And with the price of seemingly everything on the rise - including the cost to heat homes - Netznik knows more will be in need.

“We already expect the requests for heating assistance this winter to rise to unexpected levels,” she said. “We’re expecting record requests - especially help with oil.”

Volunteers are needed for the Walmart stores in Hometown and Lehighton, and the Boyer’s Food Store in Tamaqua. On Wednesdays, ringers are requested for the Hometown Farmers’ Market in Rush Township.

They ring bells and collect donations in the bright, red kettles.

“Ninety percent stays in the community to help our neighbors in need,” Netznik said. “The other 10% helps the Salvation Army provide services such as emergency disaster services and Camp Ladore for kids in need.”

Netznik said the Salvation Army typically granted $250 per household per year.

“But with the price of oil, last winter we had to almost triple that. We are not able to help as many people because of the huge increase in costs,” she said. “So every two hours a family or an organization donates their time (ringing bells), that’s another family in need we can help this winter.”

Brian Tomes is the area’s kettle coordinator. He said volunteers are needed through Dec. 24.

They can help for as little as two hours.

Tomes was a bell ringer for eight holiday seasons, and said it can be a heartwarming experience.

“Obviously, it’s a cold job but at the end of the season, when you see the kids getting their toys, it really makes it all worth it,” he said.

Tomes remembered watching as a man gave $5 to each of his grandchildren.

“The little girl asked, ‘This is mine? I can do whatever I want with it?’” he recalled.

The man told her she should could buy a toy - or do anything her heart desired.

“She came over, dropped it in the kettle and looked at her grandfather and said, ‘They need it more than I do,’” Tomes said.

To volunteer, call Tomes at 570-778-9122 or visit www.timetosignup.com/redkettle2022.